Isle of Wight: 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾

Girl in 50 Things T-shirt climbing tree by beach

We've put together a list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾' and the good news is that you can try lots of these great outdoor adventures on the Isle of Wight. From No. 1 Getting to know a tree, all the way through to No. 50 Taking a friend on a nature adventure, our special places are open air playgrounds for little ones to discover the wonders of nature.

High on the rolling downs, or deep in the leafy woods - there are so many places to try your '50 things' it can be hard to know where to start. To make it a little easier, we've put together a list of the best places to find some '50 things' adventures on the Isle of Wight.

Children finding a crab while rockpooling at Poldhu Cove, Cornwall

St Helens Duver 

This unusual shoreline of sandy beaches and tussock-y dunes is a good place for No. 37 Explore the wonders of a rockpool. The little pools are packed with coastal wildlife, so you stand a good chance of spotting a fish (No. 8), or catching a crab (No. 39) too.

A small boy runs ascross the grass flying a kite at a National Trust site

The Needles Headland and Tennyson Down 

This dramatic headland with far-reaching coastal views and a good spot of wind is the perfect place for flying a kite (No. 7). The grassy downs offer endless opportunities to join nature's band by making a grass trumpet (No. 25) or try eating a picnic in the wild (No. 9).

Child with magnifying glass on bug hunt

Mottistone Gardens and Estate 

This colourful, flower-filled garden is full of surprises including the hidden Flowerpot People, based on famous names. The Wild Area is a great place for little ones to make a home for wildlife (No. 36), build a den (No. 4) and to make friends with a bug (No. 31).

Children examine a worm at Penshaw Monument

Bembridge Windmill 

Bembridge Windmill is surrounded by countryside we look after so it’s perfect for 50 things adventures. On Bembridge and Culver Downs you can climb a huge hill (No. 28), make friends with a bug (No. 31) and watch a bird (No. 44). You could also try finding your way with a map (No. 45), but don’t forget to return to the windmill to climb up inside to the very top floor.

Girl jumping over waves

Compton Bay and Downs 

This huge stretch of sandy beach is one of the National Trust’s top places for splashing in the waves (No. 20). It’s also the best place on the Island for making sandcastles, swimming in the wild (No. 42) and hunting for fossils and bones (No. 26). You can even stand in dinosaur footprints too.

Two girls looking through binoculars, lying in the grass

Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall 

The Island's only National Nature Reserve is packed with wildlife and 200 species of bird visit every year. There are three bird hides to explore, which means it's easy to tick off No. 44 Watch a bird. The Seabroke hide is kitted out with telescopes and you can clamber upstairs for a better view. You can also go welly wandering on a muddy day (No. 6), discover animal clues (No. 34) and spot a fish as you walk along the causeway (No. 8).